Author: Gopi Lukhi Major: Biology, Chemistry Country: Tanzania Program: Ecology, Evolution, and People of East Africa  

As we trekked through the hilly forests of Gombe Stream National Park following a family of chimpanzees, we dodged thorny branches, crawled under bundles of vines, and leaped over giant tree roots, all while wearing face masks in the 80-degree heat. We were all suffocating slowly, but it wasn’t all for nothing. The chimps climbed up a tree right in front of us and began eating leaves and sticks. We were less than ten feet away from a pair of siblings playfully fighting with each other. The younger one would climb up to branches right above his brother and dangle an arm or a foot down in front of his brother’s face. The older brother would try to grab it and bite it. This kind of behavior reminded me of my own with my sister during our childhood. It made me realize how similar we are to the chimpanzees and even all the other animals we saw while in Tanzania.  

While traveling across Tanzania, we were able to see the East African Rift, the never-ending savannas, and beautiful lakes with countless flamingos feeding on cyanobacteria. In class, we learned about the great diversity of wildlife and terrain in East Africa, and we were able to see a great portion of it with our own eyes. I chose this program in hopes of learning more about the African culture and being able to witness the natural environment, as it is different than all of the places I have traveled before. Exploring Tanzania exceeded all of my expectations. I gained a new appreciation for the natural world and living without technology. The Maasai pastoralists we passed by almost every day as we drove across Tanzania lived in huts that dotted the vast savannas. The children of these small villages would run up to our car with huge smiles on their faces and wave at us as we drove by. At one place we stopped to take pictures, about five kids ran up to us wanting candy. A student went back to the car and got some candy for them. When she held it out, all the kids started grabbing as much as they could hold. It was just like trick-or-treating during Halloween! Interaction with the native people was my favorite part of the trip. We visited a Datoga tribe, where a 92-year-old man had nine wives. We fed our leftover snacks from lunch to the kids in the tribe. The female students all sat in one of the houses and talked to the women. It was highly amusing to watch their faces as we answered questions, they asked us about our lives, leaving them shocked. The women painted our faces with a black paste, resembling the tattoos they receive as a symbol of beauty. They sang a traditional song, one woman rubbing her bangles together as an instrument. As a reward, the Datoga women were blessed with a Hog Call. When we left the tribe that day, I could not stop smiling. I knew then that I would definitely want to come back to Africa some day and spend time with the people. I hope to donate some of my time and effort by providing healthcare to pregnant women and infants in maternity clinics as well as participating in wildlife conservation projects to help protect native animals from endangerment. 

Not only has this trip allowed me to meet amazing people and see abundant wildlife and nature, but it has encouraged me to introspect on my own lifestyle. I have been blessed with so many material things in my life, including technology, fashion, and fast food. Africa made me take a step back and see how much happier everyone seems without an overwhelming amount of these things. I saw groups of men sitting and chatting in the evening time and mothers talking to other mothers while they kept an eye on their children playing together in the distance. These kinds of things don’t really happen much where I am from, but I wish they did. Everyone I know is always either working or on their phone. I think it is important for people to connect to nature and renounce the rest of the world, just for a little bit each day.  

For prospective students looking for a suitable study abroad program, going to Tanzania will not disappoint. This program revolves around Africa’s natural environment, so therefore it is perfect for, but not limited to, biology students. The 13 of us made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.